A nighttime walk in indianapolis shows you why need to do sightseeing at night
How do you spend your nights on work trips? I take a walk to get some sightseeing when I’m in a different city. On an earlier post, Chasing the Sun in Indianapolis, I wrote about my morning trying to reach Monument Circle in time for sunrise. Hopefully the images gave you a reason to lose some sleep and wake up early for sunrise shots. On this post, we’ll go over why nights can be equally satisfying. You don’t get golden hour, but you get city lights. And the spooks, even in the calm, dark night.
Why go sightseeing both day and night?
It might seem redundant to visit the same location both day and night. But this works out when schedule is tight or visiting a smaller city with less options. On this trip, my entire day and evening were already committed to work. My only option was early morning and night. Not times when activities and places are open so most touristy options were wiped out. But that doesn’t mean lose all hope and watch tv in your hotel room. You can always take a walk, parks may not be the good idea, so find a popular spot. Get some sightseeing in.
Monument Circle was the only thing I planned to see. I knew it would be lit up at night so that was what I planned to visit, no matter what. After visiting in the night, I was charmed, and needed to see Monument Circle in the early morning. What was so special about it that I needed a morning encore?
a touch of light brings a quiet elegance to the night
Walking in the night from my hotel, the buildings were more pronounced.
Things catch your eyes that wouldn’t otherwise. For instance, this lit-up Lincoln Sculpture probably not as showy during the day.
Despite the lighting around the signs, the softer lighting for the architecture is a nice call to the details. Also, that mint lighting matched the mint fire hydrants in the area. I didn’t know it at that time, but there would be more mint in the architecture when I revisited in the morning. The mint touches on a church roof and its neighboring building. Not sure if the mint is actual paint color or if these finishes are copper, which turns a light bluish-green with time.
Passing under the Indianapolis Artsgarden, the lighting is giving major UFO vibes. That’s what it makes me think, with all the circles with the center being the “beaming up” spot. I did wait an extra light to cross to get this picture, by the way.
Never had a chance to visit this but it piqued my interest. On my list the next time I go to Indianapolis.
The Benefits of Sightseeing at night
I’ll admit, these photos are out of order. These were from my walk back. I took a different route to Monument Circle. Loved seeing the Indianapolis State House when I arrived in the city. I spotted the building a couple of times and made sure to head for it at night. Given it was around 8pm at the time, I felt safe. Society is still out in numbers. Apparently not around the Statehouse as I came to find. I saw a total four people as I walked the perimeter. It was well lit until I was in the back of the building near the parking lot. Pretty dark in that area, but not far from Monument Circle so I had to take that route.
The building itself was heavily lit, so I was able to get a good look at the details. There was filigree in between each window. And pediments (triangular gable) were above the top row of windows. And even smaller triangular headers alternated above each window with an arched one. Lots of squares lining the trim of the Statehouse.
Most lights were off but loved seeing a soft green light under the dome. And even though some might think the trees are in the way, I liked them both day and night.
A small stained-glass window can be seen under a small round window that is ornately decorated.
Classic Corinthian columns and the windows behind them look etched with more filigree.
Spotted another stained glassed window on a church when I arrived at Monument Circle. I didn’t remember this when I initially looked at my morning pictures. I didn’t get close to the church so I wouldn’t have caught that either way. But another example of the things missed if seeing the landmark only during the day.
monument Circle Indianapolis in the dark
There was construction happening at Monument Circle, which doubles as a roundabout. Seeing any obstruction is always disappointing but a fact of life. Best to work your way around it. I don’t remember traffic going through during the night. But it was much livelier than during the day. People were out and walking around. The shops nearby were still opened and there were even tables set out.
The other side of the monument had the fountain and Lady Victory at the center. It was fully accessible with little to no obstruction. The buildings were still lit so nice to get a look at the city architecture. The monument has so many statues and details that stand out more during the night. In my morning shots, I didn’t even notice the angel flying overhead.
A closer look at the details
Although I noticed Lady Victory holding the flag as it draped down, I only noticed the stars on the flag in these night shots. There’s also a little shadow play because of the lighting. During the day, I noticed the valiant Lady Victory at the center. But at night, the three men (or soldiers) down on their luck take center stage. Interesting to see the difference between night and day. Your eyes are taken in different directions and gives a different view of the monument itself. The day showed more as courage and strength. In the night, dark has taken over. I noticed how lost some of the statues are depicted. I’m also noticing more bodies of fallen soldiers, which I didn’t notice during the day.
The dark metal touches of the monument can be better seen at night. The eagle more prominent. The stats of the fallen soldiers are also more ominous. I really enjoyed seeing the monument and knew I wanted to see it during the day. Took a few pictures of the surrounding buildings but it was easier to see in the light of day.
The effect of the building isn’t the same. I hardly noticed the shape.
Given that I was tight on time with few options, it made sense to come again in the morning. Here are some reasons if you happen to find yourself in a similar situation.
Why visit the same location both day and night for sightseeing?
The Difference Between Night and Day
Enjoy another viewpoint, including a different vibe or feeling to place. Monument Circle was lively at night with a light show and people still shopping and enjoying the area. Sightseeing the same place during the day brought my focus to things I couldn’t really take note at night, particularly the architecture of the surrounding buildings. And the beautiful flying Lady Victory. The church also didn’t stand out until morning. Plus, the church bells would’ve been lost in the night with the crowds, which I enjoyed in the quiet morning. It had little to no people, a sense of calm since everything was closed, and the soft light of dawn brought Zen.
Get a More In-Depth Look at the Landmark
When you’re tight on timing, don’t spread yourself thin. With little room in your schedule, it may be best to take more time at the same place. Not only are you taking more pictures and videos, but you can actually sit down and take it in. People watch if you’d like. It felt more normal to hang around at night than during the early morning.
Lighting is everything
Things aren’t lit up during day so that’s another element that exists in the night. As beautiful as the state capitol is, seeing it night felt more special. There’s a quiet strength at night. I’m better able to appreciate the details of the architecture. The lighting at Monument Circle gave more of silent movie vibe. You appreciate the dark colors in statue and in the night more. In the day, the statues were more a golden vibe. I preferred to see the monument during the morning.
Try sightseeing the same landmark day and night and compare the difference. Outside of appearances, does it feel differently? Do you have a preference? Are you finding yourself focusing on different things? Or do you have a completely different interpretation of the landmark? Give it a try in your own hometown.
